With Casting Or Solidifying From Melt Patents (Class 148/538)
  • Patent number: 6042660
    Abstract: Master alloy with 20-80% strontium, preferably 0.01-2.0% of aluminum and/or copper, and the balance essentially zinc plus impurities, and a method for preparing same and a method for modifying the microstructure of nonferrous alloys with said master alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Boone, Philip G. Vais, Daniel B. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6036792
    Abstract: A novel product composed of a ceramic phase particle dispersoid in metal, including uniformly distributed, finely sized carbide phase particles formed in situ in a molten metal and a novel method for producing such a ceramic phase particle dispersoid in metal are disclosed. A salt-based liquid state reaction involving a liquid metal/alloy containing a liquid Ti, B, Si, Sc, Hf, Nb, Ta, Zr, Mo, Al (when the molten metal matrix is not aluminum), or V and a halide salt containing carbon particles forms a uniform distribution of finely sized ceramic phase particles formed and dispersed in-situ in the metal matrix. The ceramic dispersoid in metal product of the present invention includes at least about 50 volume percent of a matrix metal of aluminum; and up to about 50 volume percent of a uniform distribution of finely sized ceramic phase particles formed and dispersed in-situ in the aluminum metal matrix, wherein the finely sized ceramic phase particles have an average particle diameter of less than about 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Men Glenn Chu, Siba P. Ray
  • Patent number: 6027585
    Abstract: A process of preparing a titanium-tantalum alloy including forming a suite mixture of essentially pure titanium powder and essentially pure tantalum powder, melting the mixture of titanium powder and tantalum powder by plasma torch melting under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to form a titanium-tantalum solution, and casting the molten solution of titanium-tantalum to form a solid homogeneous titanium-tantalum product is disclosed.The process can further include hot-rolling the cast solid homogeneous titanium-tantalum product to form a sheet of the titanium-tantalum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California office of Technology Transfer
    Inventors: R. Alan Patterson, Paul S. Dunn, John F. Bingert, James D. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5980660
    Abstract: A metal alloy mass of a defined porosity for forming in the semi-solid state. When the porosity is measured by cooling in ambient air from a temperature corresponding to a liquid fraction ratio between 30 and 70% to the ambient temperature, the mass has a porosity ratio, measured by image analysis, between 2 and 20%, and preferably between 3 and 8%. Alternatively, when the gassing level is measured by a solidification test under 80 hPa, the mass has a volumetric porosity ratio between 3 and 50% and preferably between 4 and 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Michel Garat, Christian Pluchon, Willem Loue, Michel Brimont, Marc Tavernier
  • Patent number: 5932032
    Abstract: A process by which solid magnet bodies can be efficiently produced from mrials with soft magnetic properties using the die casting process is disclosed. The process is characterized in that an alloy comprising the alloy constituents of the soft magnetic material in addition to one or more elements lowering the melting point is used as a starting material, and in that the additional elements are at least partially extracted from the magnet bodies that are produced from this alloy by the die casting method subsequently by a heat treatment in a reactive atmosphere. The process is applicable for the production of soft magnetic magnet bodies for relays, transformers, magnet valves, actuators, and other electromagnetic products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Institut fuer Festkoerper-und Werkstofforschung Dresden e.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Roth
  • Patent number: 5925199
    Abstract: Solid and liquid phases coexist in a semi-molten casting material. A plurality of composite-solid phases having liquid and solid phase regions and a plurality of single-solid phases exist as the solid phases in a mixed state in an outer layer portion of the semi-molten casting material. If the sectional area of the solid phase region is represented by A, and the sectional area of the solid phase region is represented by B in one of the composite-solid phases, the liquid phase enclosure rate P of the composite-solid phase is defined as being represented by P={B/(A+B)}.times.100 (%). The liquid phase enclosure rate P of the single-solid phase is equal to 0 (%). When two groups are selected from a class of the solid phases, for example, by first and second straight lines so as to include a plurality of the solid phases, average values M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 of liquid phase enclosure rates of, for example, six solid phases in each of the first and second groups are represented by M.sub.1 =(P.sub.1 +P.sub.2 - - - +P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Shiina, Nobuhiro Saito, Takeyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5922150
    Abstract: An improved method is described for repairing Co-base superalloy gas turbine engine components by applying a mixture of base alloy powder and base alloy powder with a melting point depressant to the surface of the component and heating at 2250-2300.degree. F. to diffuse the melting point depressant isothermally into the base alloy. A protective coating is then applied, during which a heating cycle which ages the base material is used. The resultant component has high temperature creep properties which are significantly better than achieved using the prior art process. The same temperature cycle is also useful in the initial heat treatment of Co-base superalloys, and can also be used for rejuvenation of components which have experienced extensive exposure to engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Pietruska, S. Michael Kurpaska
  • Patent number: 5900334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen occluding alloy exhibiting high hydrogen absorption and desorption rates, and excellent initial activation in practical use, and a method of making it. There is provided a hydrogen occluding alloy having a composition comprising, by wt %, 32 to 38% of rare earth elements essentially consisting of La and/or Ce, 0.5 to 3.5% of Al, 0.5 to 10% of Mn, 0.005 to 0.5% of hydrogen, optionally 0.1 to 17% of Co, and the balance being Ni and unavoidable impurities; wherein the alloy has a microstructure characterized in that fine rare earth element hydride is dispersively distributed in a matrix having a CaCu.sub.5 -type crystal structure in a ratio of 0.5 to 20% by area. There are also provided electrodes and batteries containing such alloys, and methods of making and using such electrodes and batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Wada, Yoshio Takizawa
  • Patent number: 5858558
    Abstract: A nickel-base gamma-sigma intermetallic matrix composite material suitable for forming gas turbine engine components and structural coatings for such components. The composite material contains, in weight percent, about 20 to 50 chromium, about 0 to 32 molybdenum, and about 0.5 to 7 silicon, with the balance being nickel and incidental impurities. In addition, the composite material may contain aluminum and titanium in amounts of up to about 7 and 3 weight percent, respectively. The resulting intermetallic matrix composite material is characterized by a sigma volume fraction of greater than 30 percent, preferably at least about 50 percent, and may have a dendritic, fibrous or lamellar microstructure. The composite material can be cast to form a component, or deposited by known techniques to form a structural coating on a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ji-Cheng Zhao, Melvin Robert Jackson
  • Patent number: 5850866
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of the reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of the sand within the heat treating furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5849424
    Abstract: A coated Cu alloy having a high hardness surface which contains intermetallic compounds consisting essentially of Cu and Sn is produced by coating the surface of a Cu alloy with Sn and heat treating the coated Cu alloy to form on the surface thereof a high hardness coating containing Cu--Sn intermetallic compound(s). The coated Cu alloy has improved resistance to abrasion and corrosion and good workability, which permits producing terminal connectors therefrom. The Cu alloy which is coated with Sn consists essentially of 0.01-15 wt % Ni, 0.1-10 wt % Sn, 0.005-0.5 wt % P, and optionally 0.01-40 wt % in total of one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Zn, Ti, Mg, Zr, Ca, Si, Mn, Cd, Al, Pb, Be, Te, In, Ag, B, Y, La, Cr, Ce and Au, with the balance being Cu and incidental impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Sugawara, Yoshitake Hana
  • Patent number: 5846352
    Abstract: A platinum alloy containing 1 to 9 percent gallium and minor amounts of property enhancing additives, eg. up to 3% Pd. This alloy can be heat-treated to a Vickers hardness that is increased by at least over 25% beyond its initial, untreated value and typically to at least over 300 HV. The heat-treatment process includes the steps of solution-treating the alloy, followed by quenching and a hardening heat-treatment to achieve the desired hardness and strength. The alloy is useful as a component of jewelry, art objects or related articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Kretchmer
  • Patent number: 5846353
    Abstract: A process for the production of a body of material stable at high temperatures. In this process, the body of material is formed by solution annealing and subsequent precipitation hardening of a hot work-hardened starting body composed of an iron-nickel superalloy of the type IN 706 provided in a furnace. The body of material is distinguished by a particularly high ductility in combination with high hot strength if the solution-annealed starting body is cooled from the annealing temperature envisaged for the solution annealing to the temperature envisaged for the precipitation hardening at a cooling rate of between 0.5.degree. and 20.degree. C./min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Mohamed Nazmy, Markus Staubli
  • Patent number: 5817222
    Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy having a composition represented by the formula (1)RNi.sub.x-y M.sub.y (1)(wherein R stands for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, or mixtures thereof, M stands for Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, Si, V, Cr, Nb, Hf, Ta, W, B, C, or mixtures thereof, x satisfies the formula of 3.5.ltoreq.x<5, and y satisfies the formula of 0<y.ltoreq.2, crystals in the alloy having a LaNi.sub.5 type single phase structure, the alloy including in an amount of not less than 5 volume % and less than 95 volume % thereof crystals each containing not less than 2 and less than 17 antiphase boundaries extending perpendicular to C-axis of a grain of the crystal in the alloy per 20 nm along the C-axis, a method of producing the same, and an anode for a nickel hydrogen rechargeable battery containing as an anode material the above rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy and an electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Santoku Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5802708
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing high-strength and high-conductance copper and silver materials comprising the steps of combining a predetermined ratio of the copper with the silver to produce a composite material, and melt spinning the composite material to produce a ribbon of copper and silver. The ribbon of copper and silver is heated in a hydrogen atmosphere, and thereafter die pressed into a slug. The slug then is placed into a high-purity copper vessel and the vessel is sealed with an electron beam. The vessel and slug then are extruded into wire form using a cold hydrostatic extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Mary Ann Hill, John F. Bingert, Sherri A. Bingert, Dan J. Thoma
  • Patent number: 5797443
    Abstract: A casting charge of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy is cast into a mold from a temperature greater than its crystallized melting temperature, and permitted to solidify to form an article. The oxygen content of the casting charge is limited to an operable level, as excessively high oxygen contents produce premature crystallization during the casting operation. During melting, the casting charge is preferably heated to a temperature above a threshold temperature to eliminate heterogeneous crystallization nucleation sites within the casting charge. The casting charge may be cast from above the threshold temperature, or it may be cooled to the casting temperature of more than the crystallized melting point but not more than the threshold temperature, optionally held at this temperature for a period of time, and thereafter cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignees: Amorphous Technologies International, California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Xianghong Lin, William L. Johnson, Atakan Peker
  • Patent number: 5788785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a gamma prime precipitation strengthened nickel base alloy having an improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, particularly crack propagation. The alloy is cast, heat treated to dissolve substantially all the gamma-gamma prime eutectic islands and script carbides without causing incipient melting, cooled to below 1000.degree. C., HIP'ed to eliminate porosity, precipitation treated and aged. The alloy has a microstructure which is essentially free of script carbides, gamma-gamma prime eutectic islands and porosity. The microstructure further includes a plurality of regularly occurring large barrier gamma prime precipitates and a continuous field of fine cuboidal gamma prime precipitates surrounding the large barrier gamma prime precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: United Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. DeLuca, Charles M. Biondo, Howard B. Jones, Chris C. Rhemer
  • Patent number: 5788784
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for heat treating light-metal castings, particularly cylinder heads for piston engines, in which, after solidifying and removing the castings from the mold, they are solution treated with the residual casting heat at approximately 530.degree. C., are quenched, aged at approximately 170 to 210.degree. C. and are then cooled to room temperature. The castings are quenched individually with a mist-type fine mixture of air and water, which is nozzle sprayed on all sides by forced convection flow only to approximately 130 to 160.degree. C., and are charged at this temperature, while utilizing the residual heat, into an aging furnace. The evaporation heat of the water is utilized as latent cooling heat. The forming water vapor, carried away by the workpieces, is condensed and the condensed water is guided back to moisten the air/water mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ralph Koppenhoefer, Siegfried Weimer
  • Patent number: 5772801
    Abstract: In a process for the forming of wheel rims in metal alloy, a cast blank undergoes a cold chip removal process by cutting its central area, its inner surface and its lateral surface in order to obtain a semi-finished work which is then heated and plastically deformed by flow forming along its lateral surface to obtain an inner edge, an outer edge and a middle portion with a defined machine allowance; the rim thus obtained undergoes another cold chip removal process by cutting in order to work it down to the required size; the latter process may be preceded by solution and age hardening heat treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Reynolds Wheels S.p.A.
    Inventors: Valter Baldi, David J. Edwards, deceased
  • Patent number: 5735976
    Abstract: A novel method for producing a ceramic phase particle dispersoid in metal and a novel product composed thereof are disclosed, including finely sized carbide phase particles formed in situ in a molten metal by salt-based liquid state reaction with Ti, B, Si, Sc, Hf, Nb, Ta, Zr, Mo, Al (when the molten metal matrix is not aluminum), or V and a halide salt containing carbon particles to form a uniform distribution of finely sized ceramic phase particles formed and dispersed in-situ in the metal matrix. The step of reacting includes vigorously stirring to form a reaction mixture at an elevated temperature for a residence time less than one hour to form a uniform distribution of particles sized less than 2.5 microns uniformly dispersed in-situ in the metal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Men Glenn Chu, Siba P. Ray
  • Patent number: 5725684
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an amorphous hard magnetic alloy which can be produced by a casting method having a low cooling rate and has a large thickness not achieved by conventional liquid quenching methods, an amorphous hard magnetic casting alloy and a method for producing the amorphous hard magnetic cast alloy.An amorphous hard magnetic alloy in accordance with the present invention has the following general formula:A.sub.x --(Fe.sub.1-a Co.sub.a).sub.y --D.sub.zwherein A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Sm, Pr and Pm; D represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and Ge; suffixes x, y, and z satisfy 50.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.75, 10.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.45, and 5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.15 atomic percent, and suffix a satisfies 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Akihisa Inoue
    Inventors: Akihisa Inoue, Tao Zhang, Akira Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5680896
    Abstract: A method for producing rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot that contains 90 vol % or more of crystals having a crystal grain size of 1 to 50 .mu.m as measured along a short axis of the crystal and 1 to 100 .mu.m as measured along a long axis of the crystal. The method for producing the rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot involves melting a rare earth metal-nickel alloy and uniformly solidifying the alloy melt to have a thickness of 0.1 to 20 mm under cooling conditions of a cooling rate of 10.degree. to 1000.degree. C./sec and a sub-cooling degree of 10.degree. to 500.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Santoku Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Yuichi Miyake, Chikara Okada, Nobuyuki Kitazume
  • Patent number: 5676774
    Abstract: A process for producing a magnesium alloy aluminum hardener comprises the steps of providing magnesium alloy scrap, wherein the scrap comprises aluminum present in a range of 1-10 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap and at least one of zinc present in a range of 0.1-3 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap and manganese present in a range of 0.1-3 wt. % based on the weight of the scrap, wherein a remaining portion of the scrap comprises magnesium; providing molten aluminum; and adding the scrap to the molten aluminum until the hardener is produced having a magnesium content in a range of 64-72 wt. % based on the weight of the hardener, with a remaining portion of the hardener comprising aluminum and at least one of zinc and manganese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: KB Alloys, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Setzer, Richard J. Malliris, David K. Young, Francis P. Koch
  • Patent number: 5632801
    Abstract: A process for making metal-matrix composites includes: purging a refining chamber filled with molten metal matrix in a furnace by an inert gas such as nitrogen gas; filling a reinforcing material, preferably with particulates, in a bucket suspended above the molten metal matrix filled in the furnace; applying a forced drafting on the reinforcing material in the bucket for subsequently upwardly drafting the reinforcing material from the bucket; and downwarddly forcing the uprising reinforcing material to be homogeneously distributed into the molten metal matrix under homogeneous agitation, for producing a metal-matrix composite reinforced with reinforcing material in a closed system wherein the nitrogen gas is served merely for Initially purging the air outwardly from the system, not being consumed continuously in order for greatly saving the nitrogen consumption and reducing the production cost thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Loyalty Founder Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Bin Lin
  • Patent number: 5626692
    Abstract: The invention provides an aluminum-base composite material. The aluminum-base material contains a uniform distribution of carbide particles and lubricating phase particles such as carbon or graphite. The carbide particles increase hardness for improved wear resistance. The lubricating phase particles provide improved wear resistance and especially improve unlubricated wear resistance under increased loads. Finally, a dispersoid of nickel aluminide intermetallic phase may also be used to provide additional hardness and wear resistance. The composite is formed by introducing carbide particles and lubricating phase such as graphite into a molten aluminum alloy to neutraliize buoyancy and to form an aluminum-base mixture. Mixing the aluminum-base mixture to uniformly distribute carbide and carbon particles throughout the molten aluminum. Carbide and carbon particles counteract each other to remain uniformly distributed throughout the aluminum-base alloy despite prolonged holding or cooling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: INCO Limited
    Inventors: Pradeep K. Rohatgi, James A. E. Bell, Thomas F. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 5614038
    Abstract: Machinable lead free brasses for potable water applications are provided wherein a combination of bismuth and selenium are substituted in the alloy for lead and the bismuth and selenium are added to the alloy in the form of an additive product comprising bismuth selenide. A method of making the brasses which meets environmental and safety regulations is also provided. The bismuth selenide is preferably made by sintering particles of bismuth and selenium in a Bi/Se weight ratio of about 1.8 or greater and fusing the sinter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: ASARCO Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael G. King, Taie Li
  • Patent number: 5595616
    Abstract: Methods of enhancing oxidation resistance and methods of making molybdenum alloys are provided. In these methods, alloys are prepared by the addition of silicon and boron in amounts defined by the area of a ternary system phase diagram bounded by the points Mo-1.0%Si-0.5%B, Mo-1.0%Si-4.0%B, Mo-4.5%Si-0.5%B, and Mo-4.5%Si-4.0 B. The methods utilize rapid solidification followed by consolidation at below the melting point. The resultant alloys have mechanical properties similar to other high temperature molybdenum alloys while possessing a greatly enhanced resistance to oxidation at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas M. Berczik
  • Patent number: 5578177
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing fully annealed metal anodes are disclosed. The methods contemplate supplying metal and heating the metal until it has obtained a molten state. The molten metal is permitted to flow into a die and transported therethrough where it is cooled until it solidifies. The flow rate of the metal through the die and the extent of cooling are selected such that a fully annealed metal anode is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: RFE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5565046
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for reclaiming substantially pure sand from a heat treating furnace; wherein a casting with sand core and/or sand mold, comprising sand bound by a combustible binder, attached thereto is introduced into the heat treating furnace; or, wherein portions of sand core and/or sand mold that are not attached to a casting are introduced into the heat treating furnace. Wherein, the reclaiming within the furnace is carried out, in part, by a fluidizer that promotes binder combustion by one or more process of agitating, heating, and oxygenating. Wherein, the characteristics of the reclaimed sand are selectively controlled by controlling the dwell time of the sand within the heat treating furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Crafton, Paul M. Crafton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5551998
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings with sand cores provides for removal of the sand core and recovery of the sand core material for reuse. The method and apparatus eliminate the need for removing the sand core from the casting prior to heat treatment and thus eliminate the labor, expense, and possible damage to the casting incidental to conventional core removal techniques such as chiseling and shaking. The method involves heating the casting with sand core therein to a temperature sufficient to burn off the binder component of the sand core. The sand comprising the sand core is then blown out of the casting by directing a flow of air over the workpiece. The sand thus dislodged is then collected for reuse. According to the disclosed apparatus, the castings are heated in a furnace having fans for directing a flow of air over the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Crafton, Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5531423
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings with sand cores provides for removal of the sand core and recovery of the sand core material for reuse. The method and apparatus eliminate the need for removing the sand core from the casting prior to heat treatment and thus eliminate the labor, expense, and possible damage to the casting incidental to conventional core removal techniques such as chiseling and shaking. The method involves heating the casting with sand core therein to a temperature sufficient to burn off the binder component of the sand core. The sand comprising the sand core is then blown out of the casting by directing a flow of air over the workpiece. The sand thus dislodged is then collected for reuse. According to the disclosed apparatus, the castings are heated in a furnace having fans for directing a flow of air over the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Crafton, Scott P. Crafton
  • Patent number: 5501748
    Abstract: Procedure for the production of a thixotropic magnesium alloy by adding a grain refiner combined with controlled, rapid solidification with subsequent heating to the two-phase area. It is preferable to use a solidification rate of >1.degree. C./s, more preferably >10.degree. C./s. It is essential that the solidification takes place at such a speed that growth of dendrites is avoided. Heating to the two-phase area is carried out rapidly in 1-30 minutes, preferably 2-5 minutes. By heating an alloy comprising 2-8 weight % Zn, 1.5-5 weight % RE, 0.2-0.8 weight Zr balanced with magnesium to a temperature in the two-phase area after casting, the structure will assume a form in which the .alpha.-phase is globular (RE=rare earth metal). The size of the spheres will be dependent on the temperature and the holding time at that temperature and they will be surrounded by a low-smelting matrix. It is preferable that the alloy has a grain size of not greater than <100 .mu.m, more preferably 50-100 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro A.S.
    Inventors: Haavard Gjestland, HAkon Westengen
  • Patent number: 5489418
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material are produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength and a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5466312
    Abstract: A method for making aluminum foil comprises providing an aluminum-based alloy composition consisting essentially of about 0.05 to 0.20 weight percent silicon, about 0.02 to 0.50 weight percent iron, about 0.05 to 0.30 weight percent copper and balance aluminum and inevitable impurities and grain refining elements, wherein the ratio of iron to silicon ranges between about 2:1 and 4:1. The aluminum-alloy composition is continuously cast using a unitary and chilled casting wheel to form a cast strip product of desired width and gauge. The cast strip product is then homogenized, cold rolled and recrystallized annealed into an aluminum foil product. The aluminum-based alloy composition produces a single roll cast product having minimum microshrinkage porosity on the air surface thereof. Reducing or eliminating the microshrinkage porosity in the cast product results in an aluminum foil product having a minimum of pinholes in the final foil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Bennie R. Ward, Jr., Sander A. Levy, George A. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5451273
    Abstract: A cast alloy article suitable for improving the combustion characteristics and efficiency of a liquid fuel is disclosed. This cast alloy article is chiefly characterized by having coarse and irregular surface contour of interspersed peaks, valleys and pores that provide for increased surface area for increased fluid contact and provide for increased turbulence in fluid flow. The article has interspersed dendritic areas of solid dendrites and interdendritic areas of solid metal that also provide maximum surface area contact and turbulence of fluid flow of a fluid that is passed over the surface thereof. This article is made by heating selected quantities of selected metals including copper, zinc, nickel and tin to a temperature of above about 2000.degree. F. but not in excess of 2400.degree. F. intermixing the heated metals, pouring the heated metals into sand mold of a particular mesh to accomplish a coarse and irregular contour with pores and retaining the poured body at a temperature between about 2000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Hydro-Petro Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathy D. Howard, Paul E. Howard
  • Patent number: 5407636
    Abstract: An Al-based alloy represented by the general formula Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b and Al.sub.bal Ti.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c wherein M represents at least one element selected from among V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; Q represents at least one element selected from Mg and Si; and a, b and c are, in percentages by weight, 7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.20, 0.2.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.20 and 0.1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5. A compacted and consolidated material is produced by melting a material having the above alloy composition, rapidly solidifying the melt into powder or flakes; compacting the resultant powder or flakes; and subjecting the compacted powder or flakes to press forming and consolidating by a conventional plastic working. The aluminum-based alloy and the compacted and consolidated material thereof have a high strength, a good ductility and an excellent strength at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kita
  • Patent number: 5407495
    Abstract: A metal matrix composite consisting of aluminum silicon alloy reinforced with graphite fibers exhibits improved mechanical and physical properties when the graphite fibers are subjected to external cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Inventor: Pradeep K. Rohatgi
  • Patent number: 5401338
    Abstract: A process for making metal-matrix composite includes adding ultrafine reinforcing material having a particle size as fine as 0.05 .mu.m into the metal alloy matrix in a refining furnace to be homogeneously dispersed in the matrix for producing metal-matrix composite by a refining process, which is degassed to remove gases to eliminate porosity in the composite, thereby producing metal-matrix composite having improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Ching-Bin Lin
  • Patent number: 5358578
    Abstract: In a process for producing high-strength, corrosion-resistant and brittle fracture-resistant prestressing steels, there is a fine grain and/or solid solution and/or particle or precipitation hardening, linked with a thermodynamic treatment and subsequent strain hardening. As strengthening measures are used both a solid solution, fine grain and particle or precipitation hardening with a substantially additive effect. The thermomechanical treatment is performed by a controlled rolling of microalloyed, fine grain-melted steels, whilst excluding martensite formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Max W. Tischhauser
  • Patent number: 5348595
    Abstract: A Ti-Al intermetallic compound is prepared from a mixture of about 40 to 52 atomic % Ti, about 48 to 60 atomic % Al, and 10 to 3000 atomic ppm of at least one of P, As, Se, or Te. The mixture is melted and then solidified. The solidified product is annealed to form a uniform microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hanamura, Ryuji Uemori, Mitsuru Tanino, Jin-ichi Takamura
  • Patent number: 5322574
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new copper alloy containing silver from 4 to 32 at. %, which is useful for a magnet conductor, an IC lead frame, etc., having simultaneously a high strength and a high conductivity, manufactured by blending from 4 to 32 at. % silver into copper, casting, rapidly cooling and cold-working wherein the cold-working step includes a hot working treatment at a reduction rate of 40% to 70% at temperatures of from 300.degree. to 500.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: National Research Institute For Metals
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sakai, Kiyoshi Inoue, Hiroshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 5288342
    Abstract: A metallic solid comprising an metal-carbon matrix of an allotropic metal and metallofullerites of the allotropic metal is disclosed, along with an associated method of forming the solid by interrupting and temporarily holding a metal-carbon melt at the point through the cooling curve at which the solidifying metal passes through the allotropic transformation stage for the metal defined by the overall proportion of allotropic metal and carbon in the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Robert C. Job
  • Patent number: 5286315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a metal sheet having an excellent rolling property, i.e., a rollable metal sheet, which process comprises the basic steps of: continuously feeding a molten metal on a cooling material having one or two cooling surfaces being transferred and renewed for quench solidification, to thereby prepare a thin cast sheet; impinging a small rigid body particle against the surface of the resultant thin cast sheet, to work the cast sheet; heat-annealing the worked sheet in such a manner that the worked region becomes a fine recrystallized grain layer; and subjecting the cast sheet to a cold or warm rolling, optionally after a removal of oxides present on the surface; and an optional step of heat-treating the rolled sheet for working. The process of the present invention is applicable to the production of various known rollable metal or alloy sheets, such as soft steel, stainless steel, silicon steel, nickel-iron, cobalt-iron, nickel, aluminum, and copper sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kenzo Iwayama, Isao Iwanaga, Kenichi Miyazawa, Toshiaki Mizoguchi, Hidehiko Sumitomo
  • Patent number: 5284533
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of metal reference samples for spectrographic analysis. The method consists of producing a substantially cylindrical preform or blank by spray deposition, followed by the consolidation of the blank in the form of a bar having an appropriate diameter and finally the cutting of the reference samples therefrom. Compared with the prior art methods, the method offers the advantages of an improved chemical homogeneity and low oxygen content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Pechiney Recherche
    Inventors: Michel Courbiere, Hubert Dieudonne
  • Patent number: 5253698
    Abstract: Sand castings are removed from their molds before cooling and reheated in a heat treating booster furnace. The castings are transferred from the booster furnace to a rotary drum filled with agitation media. As the castings pass through the media drum, they are simultaneously cleaned of sand particles and down-quenched by the agitation media. The system is particularly suited for austempering cast iron parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Applied Process
    Inventors: John R. Keough, William R. Keough, Bela V. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5225004
    Abstract: Bulk rapidly solidified magnetic materials having a density of greater than 90%, a thickness of at least 250 microns, and preferably a low oxygen content, are produced by a liquid dynamic compaction process which, depending upon the chosen operating conditions, can yield materials ranging from crystalline to partially crystalline to amorphous. The materials so produced are directly useful, i.e. without having to be reduced to a powder and consolidated into a shape, to produce permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert C. O'Handley, Nicholas J. Grant, Yutaka Hara, Enrique J. Lavernia, Tetsuji Harada, Teiichi Ando
  • Patent number: 5223051
    Abstract: A process for producing multipiece complementary tooling castings is disclosed in which hollow internal surfaces are cast in a mold having a soft, low strength sand core piece to define such hollow portions and external surfaces are cast against hard, resin-bonded sand mold surfaces. The castings are removed from their respective molds while still warm and nested and pressed together to bring their working surfaces into conformance with each other. The result of this practice is a set of tool pieces that require little machining and display high accuracy in their as-cast condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Ryntz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5221374
    Abstract: The agent in question is cobalt added in contents of between 0.05% and 2% to steels containing from 0.05% to 0.6% of carbon and less than 10% of alloying elements taken from silicon, manganese, nickel, chromium and molybdenum, to produce optionally normalized blocks, plates, bars or pieces of large size, with improved hydrogen cracking resistance and with improved weld-ability and suitability for thermal cutting. The invention also relates to a process for employing the agent and to the pieces thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Creusot Loire Industrie
    Inventors: Regis Blondeau, Jean Beguinot, Philippe Bourges, Lionel Coudreuse, Gilbert Primon, Jacques Charles
  • Patent number: 5209790
    Abstract: A method of making a Titanium, Vanadium and Chromium alloy substantially free of Titanium-Chromium phases and inclusions of undissolved Vanadium including the steps of alloying preselected amounts of Vanadium and Chromium to produce a stable phase alloy substantially free of unalloyed Chromium or Vanadium and then mixing and melting the stable phase alloy together with a preselected amount of Titanium to produce the final alloy composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chester C. Wojcik
  • Patent number: 5202088
    Abstract: Ferritic heat-resisting cast steel, which intends to highten the applicability for use of the exhaust manifold of a vehicle engine without losing oxidation resistance, machinability and structural stability, containing, on a weight basis, 0.05 to 0.5% C, 1.0 to 2.0% Si, less than 0.6% Mn, less than 0.04% P, less than 0.04% S, less than 0.5% Ni, 10 to 20% Cr, 0.1 to 1.0% V, 0.5 to 1.0% Nb, 0.08 to 0.50% Mo, less than 0.01% W and 0.01 to 0.2% Ce, the balance of its composition being iron. Alternatively, it may contain 0.1 to 1.5% Mn and 0.01 to 0.2% S, and may further contain 0.01 to 0.2% Te and/or 0.01 to 0.3% Al. Further, it may contain 0.1 to 5.0% Co and/or 0.1 to 5.0% Ti. The cast steel is annealed at a temperature of 850.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. for one to five hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Genma, Shinji Katou, Masami Suzuki, Shinya Mizuno, Tsutomu Sekiguchi